Since the start of 2025, the United States has been facing a major issue with rising gas prices. The national average price of regular gasoline has been steadily increasing, reaching over $4 per gallon in many states. This price hike is primarily caused by disruptions in oil production, higher global demand and inflation, which has affected the cost of nearly everything, including fuel.
“These rising gas prices are only making it harder for people to get by,” sophomore Miranda Oerth said. “It’s becoming a huge burden for so many people who are already struggling,”
These higher gas prices have sparked protests in some parts of the country. People are expressing frustration over how the rising prices are impacting their ability to afford basic transportation. In cities like San Francisco, people have gathered to demand that the government take action to reduce gas prices. Gas prices have risen by more than 20% over the past year, causing hardship for families, especially those in lower-income areas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“The cost of gas keeps going up,” senior Georgia Doyle said. “Something needs to change.”
In response, some lawmakers have proposed temporary measures, such as suspending gas taxes or increasing the supply of domestically produced oil. However, others argue that the real solution lies in reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and promoting alternative energy sources like electric vehicles and renewable energy. A study by the International Energy Agency suggests that investing in electric vehicles and green technologies could help stabilize fuel prices in the long term.
Despite the ongoing protests and discussions, there is no clear solution yet to the issue of rising gas prices. The government is considering options, but many believe that a long-term strategy focused on sustainability and energy independence is the key to solving this problem. As of now, the debate continues, and Americans are waiting to see what changes will be made to ease the pressure on their wallets.
“These gas prices are just the beginning,”Oerth said. “If we don’t start moving towards cleaner energy options, this problem is going to keep getting worse.”